Unintentional Injury Remains Leading Cause of Death in U.S. for Americans Under 44

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among Americans under 44 years of age. According to CNN, motor vehicle accidents and unintentional poisonings are the leading cause of death. These figures don’t account for the many more people who are personally injured and who survive with life-altering injuries as a result of these accidents. Car accident injuries, for example, can leave people suffering from spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, serious internal injuries, or broken bones.

So, what can you do to keep yourself and your family safe from unintentional deaths due to motor vehicle accidents? According to CNN, avoid the major causes of accidents by obeying the posted speed limit, never drive drunk, and put down your cell phone when behind the wheel. Proper seat belt use can also prevent many deaths. This includes ensuring that your younger children are using the proper child safety seat when riding in a vehicle. Children under age 12 should also not be permitted to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. Cell phone use is particularly dangerous. Every year, distracted driving claims approximately 3,450 lives. Don’t become a statistic. Some experts recommend putting your cell phone in a place where you won’t be able to access it while driving, like in the trunk or glove compartment.

Bike accidents also result in many unintentional deaths and injuries every year. According to CNN, riders should inspect their bikes before hitting the road, checking brakes, tires, and handlebars. However, the majority of bike injuries and accidents occur when riders are hit by drivers who were not paying attention to the road. Riders who have been struck by drivers may think that the laws are straightforward and would offer them protection, but according to a recent report by Outside Online, many state laws regarding cyclists’ right of way are not clear. In fact, some riders have been following the law, riding in their bike lanes, and still found themselves shouldering the blame for an accident. There are no right of way laws for bike riders in many cities and states may not offer protections for riders in bike lanes.

Unfortunately, not all drivers are sharing the road. Riders should wear reflective clothing and make sure that they have proper lighting on their bikes at night. Wearing a helmet can also previous serious head injury in the event an accident occurs.

Yet, even after taking the greatest precautions, drivers and cyclists can still suffer serious injuries if they are involved in a car accident resulting from another driver’s negligence or neglect. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident or bike accident, protect your rights. Goodrich & Associates, P.C. are car accident lawyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who work closely with victims and families who have been hurt due to another person’s negligence or neglect. Visit us at https://www.goodrichpc.com/ to learn more.